Sierra Leone is a travel destination in Western Africa. Its capital is Freetown. December and January are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Sierra Leone
Tiwai Island (natural) — Premier wildlife sanctuary in a river island — one of Africa's highest primate densities: 11 species including pygmy hippos and chimpanzees.
Bunce Island (landmark) — Ruined 18th-century slave fort on a river island — poignant memorial site from which tens of thousands of enslaved Africans were shipped to Carolina.
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (natural) — Hillside rainforest sanctuary caring for rescued chimps above Freetown — educational and ethical encounter with over 100 chimpanzees.
Outamba-Kilimi National Park (natural) — Remote northern savanna park — hippos, elephants, chimpanzees, and manatees in the rivers; Guinea hornbill and walking-stick insect in forest.
Lumley Beach (beach) — Long Atlantic surf beach stretching from central Freetown — locals, fishing pirogues, beachside bars, and spectacular ocean sunsets.
Freetown Peninsula Beaches (beach) — Series of pristine south-facing bays — Tokeh, River No. 2, Bureh — white sand and clear Atlantic water backed by forest hills.
Cotton Tree, Freetown (landmark) — Ancient 500-year-old silk-cotton tree at Freetown's heart — legendary symbol of freedom for liberated slaves who gathered below its branches in 1792.
Lake Sonfon (natural) — Remote freshwater crater lake at 600 m in the northern highlands — sacred by the Limba people, with birdwatching, fishing, and forest hiking.
Banana Islands (beach) — Three small Atlantic islands accessible by boat from Freetown — colonial ruins, coral reef snorkelling, and deserted white-sand beaches.
Bintumani Peak (natural) — Highest mountain in West Africa west of Mount Cameroon (1,945 m) — multi-day hike through rainforest, open grass plateau, and breathtaking views.